This paper considers the ways in which Geographical Information Systems (GIS) could be used as part of a decision support system for the control of public transport systems. The paper begins with a brief consideration of the current position of GIS within the spectrum which ranges from a completely static (largely historical) database to a completely dynamic system which makes use of real-time data feeds. The paper then considers the importance of dynamic information systems, and describes how GIS might fit into this area. A principal requirement for this is to make the GIS respond to real-time data feeds. This is important because a control system should be able to reference static data static data (about a bus route, for example) with real-time data from the buses on that route which indicate the progress of the vehicles. This combination can then indicate the state of the system. The way in which this is being done is described using as examples two research projects currently underway at University College London. The importance of the use of such sophisticated decision support systems to place the control decisions as close to the point of implementation as possible is then discussed. (A)
Samenvatting